Staffordshire Police are warning motorists to not put their lives at risk by using a mobile phone while driving – as more than 950 drivers were prosecuted in Staffordshire for using a handheld mobile in 2022.
It comes following the latest statistics from the force revealing 959 drivers were prosecuted for using a handheld mobile phone while driving last year.
Almost half (46%) of those prosecuted were driving a commercial vehicle, i.e. a van, lorry or HGV driver, at the time.
The force’s #PhoneFree campaign will run from Monday (20th February) to Sunday (12th March) aiming to educate drivers on the dangers of mobile phone use and share advice on how to avoid the temptation of using a phone while driving.
The #PhoneFree campaign is one of four road safety campaigns as part of Operation Lightning, with the aim of the operation to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on the roads of Staffordshire and to disrupt and deter criminals from using the road network.
Police are also asking employers to get behind the campaign to make sure everyone is #PhoneFree at the wheel. To show your support and for more information on the campaign, click here.
Inspector Mark Joynson, of the force’s Road Policing Unit, said: “Any kind of phone use can be distracting, taking your eyes off the road, even for a couple of seconds to check a notification or skip songs, can be dangerous as you can’t concentrate on two things at once.
“Using handsfree systems can be distracting too, so the safest thing to do is avoid using your phone whilst driving and be phone free.
“Your friends, family, or work colleagues won’t mind waiting for a text, call or message if you’re driving. They would rather you got to your destination safely than not at all. If you need to make a call or text, park up somewhere safely and turn the ignition off.
“If you’re caught using a phone at the wheel you could receive six points and a fine, and new drivers even have their licence removed by the courts.
“The message is simple, help us make Staffordshire’s roads safer by going #PhoneFree.”
Deputy Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime, Helen Fisher, co-Chairs the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership alongside Staffordshire Commissioner Ben Adams.
Helen said: “Keeping Staffordshire’s roads as safe as possible is a key priority for myself and the Commissioner.
“Most drivers don’t use a phone at the wheel, but those that do put themselves, and other road users, in danger as they’re four times more likely to crash.
“Sadly, too many people continue to be killed or seriously injured on our roads, which is why it’s so important to avoid any unnecessary distractions when you’re driving, and go #PhoneFree.”
